Jamie York, president of the Reseda Neighborhood Council and a proponent for reforms, including higher fines for ethics violations, thanked the Ethics Commission for “standing up” and rejecting the lower fine.

At Wednesday’s meeting, she told the panel that the fine “doesn’t get anywhere near the damage that was done, but at least you’ve sent the message that something that’s egregious can’t be ignored and should not be ignored.”

The City Council is looking at a proposal to double penalties for violations of the ethics code and recoup the cost of investigations. It will be heard Thursday by a committee.

Then-LAPD Chief Michel Moore said last year that his department would conduct an internal investigation and work with the county district attorney and state attorney general on the case.

The Ethics Commission on Wednesday also approved several settlements for violations of a law that requires lobbyists to register with the city and report lobbying activities.

Among those who agreed to pay fines was onetime high-level mayoral aide Rick Jacobs, who admitted that he failed to report lobbying activity related to his client, Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters, which is now known as the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters.

Jacobs agreed to pay $12,500 in fines.

A former adviser to former Mayor Eric Garcetti, Jacobs was accused several years ago by an LAPD officer of sexual harassment, which Jacobs denied. The police officer sued the city over Jacobs’ alleged behavior, resulting in a $1.8 million settlement last year.

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Times staff writer Meg James contributed to this report.)

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